Rwandan President Paul Kagame is gearing up for a fourth term in office after winning a staggering 99.15 percent of the vote in Monday’s presidential election.
Partial results issued by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) seven hours after polls closed showed Kagame leading with 99.15 percent of the vote—surpassing the 98.79 percent he achieved in the last poll seven years ago.
Democratic Green Party candidate Frank Habineza secured 0.53 percent, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana garnered 0.32 percent, according to results released with 79 percent of ballots counted.
Addressing supporters from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front, the 66-year-old president expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important,” Kagame said.
Full provisional results are expected by July 20, with definitive results to follow by July 27.
“In general, the electoral process happened in a safe and transparent atmosphere for Rwandans living abroad and at home,” the NEC said in a statement.
Over 100,000 Rwandans volunteered as polling staff, and more than 1,100 local and international observers were accredited for the elections, according to the NEC.
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Rwanda's Kagame wins fourth term as president with 99 percent of vote
cgtn.com
